Promoting a Sustainable Diffusion of Solar PV Electricity in Africa: Results of the CODEV Project

In this work we present the result of a collaboration between the Polytechnic Schools of Dakar (ESP) and Lausanne (EPFL) on the testing and monitoring of solar photovoltaic modules. The collaboration has involved the exchange of knowledge, methodologies and data, and, in particular, the analysis of the aging of PV modules exposed to the hot semiarid climate of Dakar for eight years. With the aim of promoting a focus on quality and reliability, the long-term goal of the collaboration would be to set-up a testing laboratory for PV modules and systems in Dakar and a training center. The testing laboratory will be working in close collaboration with the University and should potentially have a “lean” and easy-replicable structure. The implementation of a third-party institution able to assess independently the quality of components and support system developers and installers in the design, commissioning and maintenance of PV projects is crucial to promote a “sustainable” diffusion of solar electricity in Africa, particularly when considering the residential and commercial/industrial rooftop PV market segment. By minimizing risk, focus on quality should promote a virtuous cycle leading to: (1) mitigation of financing costs of solar projects, therefore, considerably reducing the overall costs of this technology, (2) increase positive perception and awareness about PV.